On October 22, 2024, President Droupadi Murmu presented the 5th National Water Awards 2023 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The event celebrated the efforts of individuals, organizations, and states in water management and conservation across India.
Purpose of the National Water Awards
The National Water Awards (NWA) were established to:
- Promote water conservation efforts across the nation.
- Highlight successful water management practices.
- Support the government’s vision of a ‘Jal Samridh Bharat’ (Water-Rich India).
- Encourage states, districts, and communities to adopt best practices in water usage.
Categories of the 5th National Water Awards
The awards honored winners in the following nine categories:
| Category | Examples |
| Best State | Odisha (1st Prize), Uttar Pradesh (2nd Prize) |
| Best District | Recognized for excellent water conservation |
| Best Village Panchayat | Awards to grassroots water management efforts |
| Best Urban Local Body | Honoring municipal-level initiatives |
| Best School or College | Government Upper Primary School, Sikar, Rajasthan |
| Best Industry | Recognizing industries with water-efficient practices |
| Best Water User Association | Celebrating effective water management groups |
| Best Institution (other than school or college) | Highlighting exemplary water projects |
| Best Civil Society | Acknowledging NGOs and community groups |
Winners of the 5th National Water Awards
The winners of the National Water Awards were announced on October 14, 2024.
- Odisha secured the first prize in the Best State category for its efforts in water conservation.
- Uttar Pradesh won the second prize, while Gujarat and Puducherry shared the third place.
- In the Best School category, the Government Upper Primary School in Sikar, Rajasthan received the first prize for its water harvesting initiatives.
President’s Speech and Government Initiatives
During the event, President Murmu highlighted the government’s achievements through the Jal Jeevan Mission, stating that 78% of rural households now have access to tap water. She emphasized the importance of state efforts in water conservation and expressed concern over the depletion of groundwater.
The Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in 2019, has improved access to safe drinking water across India. This mission aligns with the goals of the National Water Awards to promote better water management.
News Summary:
- President Droupadi Murmu presented the 5th National Water Awards 2023 on October 22, 2024, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
- The awards recognized efforts in water conservation across nine categories.
- Odisha won the Best State category, followed by Uttar Pradesh in second place, and Gujarat and Puducherry sharing third.
- Government Upper Primary School in Sikar, Rajasthan, won the Best School category.
President Murmu stressed the importance of state-level water management and highlighted achievements of the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Also Read Latest Current Affairs 2024
The National Water Awards (NWA) recognize efforts in water conservation and management across India to promote best practices and encourage a water-rich India.
Odisha received the first prize in the Best State category, followed by Uttar Pradesh in second place, and Gujarat and Puducherry jointly in third.
The awards raise awareness about water conservation and management, encouraging states, communities, and organizations to adopt sustainable water practices.
The Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in 2019, aims to provide tap water connections to rural households, significantly improving access to safe drinking water in India.
The Government Upper Primary School in Sikar, Rajasthan, won the Best School category for its initiatives in water harvesting.
The National Water Awards were first introduced in 2018 to promote water conservation efforts across India.
Besides the Jal Jeevan Mission, the government has launched programs like Atal Bhujal Yojana and the Ganga Rejuvenation Project to improve water management and conservation efforts across India.
